The Lenoir County Education Foundation, a committee created by the Chamber of Commerce, has long partnered with Lenoir County Public Schools to support teachers as they strive to foster strong educational environments for all students. 

“The Lenoir County Education Foundation continues to support our schools and staff to ensure our students are getting the best education possible,” said the Chamber of Commerce president, Cale Grady. “For over 30 years, the LCEF has raised funds through the support of our community to enhance the education possibilities for our students.” 

The LCEF’s biggest form of support is through raising money for teacher mini-grants, and the possibilities of these grant opportunities are endless. For example, funding could be used to buy a small greenhouse to foster hands-on learning about agriculture at an elementary school, or a 3D printer to show life-size examples of organs in high school biology. 

Superintendent Brent Williams said,“The Lenoir County Education mini-grants program is a great example of strong community support for our schools and the children that we serve. Our teachers work hard to write and submit winning mini-grant proposals to secure funding to enhance instruction in their classrooms by providing additional learning experiences and opportunities for students.” 

What better way to raise money for these mini-grants than an annual golf tournament and adult spelling bee? This year, these two events put on by the LCEF raised approximately $40,000 that will be given to teachers who have been selected through a grant application. 

"Friendly competitions like the golf tournament and adult spelling bee ignites passion and creativity, turning fundraising into a spirited challenge that not only raises money, but also celebrates community and collaboration,” said Rebecca McGann, the public information officer for LCPS.

“The drive to help supplement our school system with focused Mini-Grants continues to be our mission and is intended to provide a way for our school staff to excel with additional resources for their thoughts and ideas of making our education second to none,” Grady added. 

Williams agreed, saying, “As a school system, we would like to thank Chamber President, Cale Grady, the Lenoir County Education Foundation, the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce Board and members, President, Dr. Rusty Hunt, and the Lenoir Community College team, the teams of planners and organizers who worked on both events for months, and all of the participants of the golf tournament and the spelling bee. These were two outstanding events that stand as fine examples of school-community partnerships and true advocacy for giving our young people the best educational opportunities and experiences that we can provide.” 

Grady would like to thank LCPS and Lenoir Community College for the continued support and collaboration, as well as all of the community sponsors and volunteers who helped make these fundraisers possible. 

“Without each of you, these events would not be possible. It is through everyone's efforts that the Mini-Grants can continue to be awarded each year.”